Oxford City’s hopes of reaching the British Gas Business Premier Division play-offs suffered a major knock as they went down 2-1 at Brackley Town last night.

They needed a victory to leapfrog Hemel Hempstead into the play-off spots, but the situation is now out of their hands.

All they can do is win at Clevedon on Saturday and hope Hemel lose at home to Gloucester City, who have already booked their own play-off berth.

City went ahead in the seventh when James Faulkner’s cross was headed home by Craig Faulconbridge.

Brackley were level four minutes later through their former Oxford United striker Mark Rawle, who headed the equaliser.

In the 35th minute, Brackley went 2-1 up as City keeper Ryan Harrison got a hand to Ben Mackey’s shot, which hit an upright and rolled into the net.

There was plenty of fight from City after the break, but they could not find an equaliser.

There was better luck for Didcot Town in Division 1 South & West after their tense goalless draw at home to sixth-placed Thatcham almost certainly sealed their play-off place.

Michael Bartley had Didcot’s best first-half chance when his shot grazed a post.

But the home side came under the cosh after the break and were grateful to goalkeeper Michael Watkins for a stunning save from Alex Wall.